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The vision of the EFTF Conference…

In the long run the line between technology and humanity might blur and the EFTF is about what that might look like, we will also talk about the key trends driving that long term vision and what it means to all of us in the tech sector. How is cloud computing affecting bio-medicine? How does IoT related to wearable’s and big data? How can we that work in the tech sector understand where these issues are leading us to? How can we learn more? At EFTF we are looking at things like:

Cloud Computing – In part recognition for our mastery of the data center at a societal level, Cloud computing is really the mass commoditization of computing power. Given the presence of cloud computing, we approach the level were anyone can access an almost infinite amount of computing power. This trend currently has developed to the point of being the basis for most corporate software system initiations as a foundational component of LOB application development in every industry sector.

… and how does Cloud computing related to Big Data?

Big Data is the ability to collect data on a level beyond the database systems of the past. Big Data is being able to collect all of the data from 5000 sensors every second from 15 million cars and being able to use that data in an intelligent way. It is only the power of Cloud Computing that has made Big Data a factor in the modern world.

… and what does Big Data have to do with:

The ‘Internet of Things’ is really a trend related to devices and sensors that talk to the internet. This trend is being driven, in part, by the availability of big data; for example, with internet enabled sensors. It also includes watches, various wearable’s, and other equipment that now can provide data or interact with the internet and is related to mobile computing.

… and how does IoT, Big Data and the Cloud apply to:

BI, or Business Intelligence, is not new. BI has been around, as a term, for a while; but where this becomes a trend, or factor, which is particularly relevant to us as it is related to the use of Big Data to gain a level of BI that borders on super powers; like predictive analytic’s which border on Prescience.

… and what does advances in the following mean:

As artificial intelligence slowly moves towards AGI, and in the presence of Big Data and Big Data BI and the other trends, AI really improves our ability to make use of Big Data and the other factors; further driving them forward in the Market. Now that AI has passed the Turing test (admittedly not entirely scientifically though) AI will continue to become increasingly powerful and relevant to us; in particular as AI begins to understand natural speech in context, which is emerging now.

… and where are we with technologies like:

Augmented Reality is the ability to overlay reality with the digital world of information. While still an emerging trend (out of the wearables trend), it will outpace the wearables trend which is more ‘niche’. As a pair of glasses or other device allows anyone to overlay their vision, and replace the phone and computer and tablet easily (based on the technology that is coming out around AR), AR will emerge 5 years out as the platform of choice gaining widespread adoption over the following 5 years; based on current engineering and what is coming to market starting in FY15 through FY20.

… and that relates to:

Virtual reality is related to the AR trend but will see a lot more pick up especially around gaming in the next 5 years and by the time AR really goes out to the mass consumer VR will have a strong hold on gaming as the platform of choice as well as an emerging addition problem.

… and all of that related to the following when it comes to consumer adoptions:

User Experience, or better digital experiences, has been a trend as technology like the internet and improved IDE’s and other technologies have allowed competition to go beyond just making software to making software better. It is in this competitive environment where the real differentiating factor for software frequently is only the user experience; and in this, from an engagement standpoint, where things can’t be outsourced is in direct interaction and user experience, where the trend towards high touch engagements for design are indicative of this trend.

… more then individual trends where are things going with:

Platform Evolution, along with Moore’s law, has driven the tech sector for 30+ years. From the Super Computer to the smart phone, computing has come a long way and there is no reason to think that has changed or will change anytime in the immediate future. Where this is going now, with AR finally becoming commercially viable, is that technology will become more advanced and increasingly be part of our environment and us; but be more in the background.

and how does all of that affect us and what Emergent Societal changes we will see? What happens when the technologies are part of the walls, our clothes, our cars and our furniture but not out in the open as such? This is where things are going and along those lines society itself is evolving. Look at children and the current generation which are learning new skills more focused on using technology, off-loading memory and learning to depend on that technology vs past generations; and it is this change that will drive further emergent changes in society.